Radial head

What do you need to know about pediatric radial head fractures?

Johnny has fallen on an outstretched hand, and comes to you with a swollen, painful elbow.
Position of comfort, analgesia, xrays, and now what?
What am I seeing — or not seeing — here?

Although it doesn’t get the spotlight much in emergency medicine, the ED diagnosis and management of elbow injuries is of significant clinical importance. There are several easy-to-miss injuries that can lead to functional impairment. Even minor errors in management can result in long term consequences for patients.